Roger Montgomery Mulford

Roger Montgomery Mulford, age 84, of Boston passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, after a brief hospitalization. Roger is preceded in death by his partner John Santry, of Charlestown, his parents, P. Montgomery and Elsie Mulford, and brother Francis Mulford, all of Buffalo, N.Y.

Roger was born on July 18, 1937, in Buffalo, NY. He finished high school in the Buffalo Public schools and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Parsons School of Design. Roger went on to earn a Master's Degree from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Roger made a meaningful impact on so many lives.

Roger taught art in N.Y. schools before embarking on a 36-year career at Belmont High School, Belmont, MA, teaching art. He was dedicated, loving, and inspirational to his many friends and students. No words can accurately describe the amount of love and positive influence Roger has had on his students and the people around him in his life. His relationships span this country and the world. So many of us depended dearly on his friendship, support, and his ability to be gently and warmly honest. He will be sorely missed.

In addition to being an art teacher, Roger was a talented artist. Since his retirement from Belmont High School in 1999 he painted and drew out of his multiple art studios, the most recent being in Charlestown, MA. His work is thoughtful, layered, and uses color to render light and inspire the viewer. He leaves behind a collection of modern landscapes, still lifes, and other work.

Roger and John Santry could have been named unofficial ambassadors to the City of Boston. Roger’s Boston were the art museums, the Symphony, the parks, the Red Sox, who he nicknamed the Dummies, which was meant to protect him from the hurt of seeing them lose year after year before they won the World Series. Living on Beacon Hill, as he did, he explored the city on bike and foot, always eager to discover new things, be it a great breakfast place, a bargain, or some display of drama. He used to talk about his “Receiving Bench” in the Public Garden where he could be found reading on a nice day. He was an avid reader and could recommend books, must read articles in the New Yorker, particularly good shows and travel destinations to New York City, one of his favorites. He had a brilliant sense of humor: irreverent, wildly perceptive, and half-teasing. This ageless, playful quality came naturally to him and it was hard not to smile in his company. It was clear that people felt more like their true selves when with him.

Roger was surrounded by loving friends while in the hospital: Judy Paradis, William O'Brien, John Robbe, and Ken Hall. When he passed away on Tuesday morning he was with two former Belmont High School students, Bartek Konieczny and David Millar.

Roger did not wish to have a service. There will be a celebration for Roger later this year.

Donations in Roger's memory can be made to The Roger M. Mulford Scholarship Fund, for the benefit of young artists. Please make donations out to “The Foundation for Belmont Education.” In the memo please write “for the Roger M. Mulford Scholarship Fund.” Mail to: P.O. Box 518 Belmont, MA 02478.